> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.cleftnotes.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Syncing Notes

> Access your notes on every device, even offline

Your notes sync automatically between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Create a note on one device and it appears on the others.

## Refresh Manually

If you want to check for the latest changes right away:

### iPhone and iPad

Pull down on your notes list to refresh.

### Mac

<Steps>
  <Step title="Keyboard shortcut">
    Press `⌘ + R`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Menu bar">
    Click **File** > **Refresh**
  </Step>
</Steps>

## When Does Syncing Happen?

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Opening the App" icon="rocket">
    Notes refresh when you open Cleft
  </Card>

  <Card title="After Changes" icon="pen">
    Any edit or new note syncs right away
  </Card>

  <Card title="In the Background" icon="arrows-rotate">
    Cleft checks for updates while the app is open
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Going Offline

Turn on **Preflight Mode** to download all your notes before you lose connectivity (great for flights, commutes, or areas with poor signal).

Go to **Settings** > **General** > **Offline** and toggle **Preflight Mode** on. This downloads text only, so it's fast.

## Auto-Export to a Folder

Cleft can save every note to a folder on your device as a Markdown file (useful if you work with apps like Obsidian, NotePlan, Logseq, or any tool that reads from a folder). As of v1.14.0, this is **free on Mac, iPhone, and iPad**.

1. Open Cleft and go to **Settings → Local Sync**
2. Free users get Cleft's Documents/Cleft Notes folder out of the box. [Cleft Plus](/user-guides/upgrade-to-plus) lets you point exports at any folder you choose (your Obsidian vault, NotePlan project, etc.)
3. New notes appear there automatically, including ones that arrived via cross-device sync
4. Use **Save existing notes as files** if you want to backfill notes that were already in Cleft

<Tip>
  See [Local Sync](/user-guides/integrations/local-sync/overview) for the full setup, the file format, and per-app tips for Obsidian, NotePlan, Logseq, Drafts, and Bear.
</Tip>

<Info>
  * You need an internet connection for syncing
  * After editing on one device, give it a moment before opening the same note elsewhere
  * Many preferences sync through iCloud, including theme, note style, copy format, note language, writing rules, Notion auto-send, and Local Sync on/off choices
  * Folder permissions and device permissions are still configured per device
  * If something looks out of date, try a manual refresh
</Info>